Current Issue : January-March Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 1 Articles : 6 Articles
Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common allergic manifestations, affecting 20% of the global population. Elevated tear levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) have been correlated with the severity and chronicity of clinical manifestations of the disease. All current treatments, especially the most effective ones, are associated with side effects upon chronic administration. A natural treatment alternative without side effects that reduces pharmacodependence would be an excellent therapeutic option. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of isotonic seawater solution on MMP-9 levels in the tears of patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: This is a prospective study in which a total of 50 patients and 100 affected eyes were followed over time. Initial inclusion criteria were positive InflammaDry test in both eyes + grade I, II, and III allergic conjunctivitis - Bonini-Gokhale scale. All patients were treated exclusively with Quinton Eye Health, an isotonic seawater solution, six times a day for four weeks. Results: The InflammaDry test was positive in 100% of patients and eyes before treat- ment as an inclusion criterion. After seawater treatment, 100% of patients and eyes with grade I conjunctivitis tested negative with undetectable MMP-9 levels in both eyes, 89% with grade II conjunctivitis, and 80% of patients with grade III. These changes are statistically significant. Conclusion: Seawater washes are a safe and highly effective treatment in reducing ocular surface inflammation in allergic conjunctivitis, being able to negate previously positive MMP-9 tear levels in an average of 89% of cases....
Our purpose is to evaluate the binocular contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in a presbyopic population and compare the results obtained with four different simultaneous-vision centernear multifocal contact lens (MCL) designs for distance vision under two illumination conditions. Additionally, chromatic CSF (red-green and blue-yellow) was evaluated. A randomized crossover pilot study was conducted. Four daily disposable lens designs, based on simultaneous-vision and center-near correction, were compared. The achromatic contrast sensitivity function (CSF) was measured binocularly using the CSV1000e test under two lighting conditions: room light on and off. Chromatic CSF was measured using the OptoPad-CSF test. Comparison of achromatic results with room lighting showed a statistically significant difference only for 3 cpd (p = 0.03) between the baseline visit (with spectacles) and all MCLs. Comparison of achromatic results without room lighting showed no statistically significant differences between the baseline and all MCLs for any spatial frequency (p > 0.05 in all cases). Comparison of CSF-T results showed a statistically significant difference only for 4 cpd (p = 0.002). Comparison of CSF-D results showed no statistically significant difference for all frequencies (p > 0.05 in all cases). The MCL designs analyzed provided satisfactory achromatic contrast sensitivity results for distance vision, similar to those obtained with spectacles, with no remarkable differences between designs. Chromatic contrast sensitivity for the red-green and blue-yellow mechanisms revealed some differences from the baseline that should be further investigated in future studies....
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition associated with intermittent hypoxia, systemic inflammation, and vascular dysfunction; mechanisms implicated in retinal disease pathogenesis. This real-world retrospective cohort study used data from the TriNetX Research Network to assess whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces retinal disease incidence among adults with OSA and BMI between 25.0 and 30.0 kg/m2. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 101,754 patients were included in the analysis. Retinal outcomes included diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). CPAP use was associated with a modest but statistically significant reduction in DR (3.2% vs. 3.4%, RR: 0.922, p = 0.016) and AMD (2.1% vs. 2.3%, RR: 0.906, p = 0.018), while no significant differences were found for RVO or CSC. These findings support prior evidence linking CPAP to improved retinal microvascular health and suggest a protective effect against specific retinal complications. Limitations include a lack of data on CPAP adherence, OSA severity, and imaging confirmation. Still, this study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary care between sleep and eye health, and the need for further prospective studies to validate CPAP’s role in preventing retinal disease progression in OSA patients....
Introduction: Orbital cellulitis is a rare but serious condition in children that usually begins locally. Its treatment must be urgent to avoid blinding or even fatal complications. Aim: To assess the clinical and etiological aspects of orbital cellulitis in children in order to improve multidisciplinary management. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of Treichville University Hospital over a period of 4 years from January 2018 to December 2022, covering patients under 15 years of age who were monitored and treated for orbital cellulitis. Results: We collected 12 orbits from 12 children. The mean age was 9.24 years, with a predominance of males (sex ratio = 1.4). The average consultation time was five days. Etiology was dominated by ethmoidomaxillary sinusitis in seven patients (58.3%). Inflammatory palpebral swelling and painful exophthalmos summarised the clinical picture. An orbital abscess was noted in 41.7% i.e. five cases. Surgical drainage was performed in half the cases (six patients), and antibiotic therapy was initiated in all patients. Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is a potentially serious acute condition of the young, complicating neighbouring diseases. It is a medical and surgical emergency, and early multidisciplinary management improves prognosis....
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of Visual Impairment (VI) globally and VI is the most common and debilitating complication of DM; it significantly impacts the quality of life, productivity, and independence of affected individuals yet its burden and its specific causes among diabetic patients is lacking incomprehensive in a Ugandan community. This presents a major barrier to developing effective eye health strategies tailored for diabetic populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among patients with Diabetes Mellitus attending Diabetic clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done including 181 patients with DM from August to October 2020; Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire, fasting blood sugar was measured using an On-Call plus Glucometer machine. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen’s chart and the causes of VI were determined using torch examinations, slit Lamp and ophthalmoscopic fundoscopy. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 16 and presented in form of tables and graphs. Results: Of the 181 participants examined, 108 (59.7%) were females and 73 (40.3%) males. The prevalence of visual impairment was 24.9% and common in those aged above 60 years. Cataract was the commonest cause of visual impairment (44.4%) followed by refractive error (20%), maculopathy (13.3%), diabetic retinopathy (6.7%), glaucoma (4.4%), corneal scar (4.4%), optic atrophy (4.4%) and chorioretinopathy with (2.2%). Diabetic retinopathy proportion was 1.7%. Conclusion: Visual Impairment among patients with DM attending GRRH Diabetic Clinic was 25% and cataract was the commonest cause while the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was low (1.7%)....
Objective: To highlight the clinical, therapeutic and functional characteristics of traumatic cataracts in children. Methodology: This is a 4-year retrospective study. The files of patients aged 0 to 15 years who had undergone surgery for traumatic cataracts were included. Incomplete files and those who were followed up postoperatively but operated on elsewhere were excluded. Epi-info 7.4.0 was used for data analysis. The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology was the classification used in this study. Results: Specifically, we had collected 75 cases of traumatic cataracts among 130 operated patients aged 0 to 15 years, i.e. 57.7%. Average age 7.3 years ± 4.6; sex ratio: 1.67. The children were in school in almost all cases, i.e. 85.3%. The consultation period >3 months was more represented 60.0%. Gambling accidents were the most frequent of the circumstances of occurrence 36.0%; Falls and shocks against objects were the most frequent etiological agent (60.0%). Contusive lesions predominated, as well as total white cataracts, respectively 57.3% each. Phaco-emulsification was the most practiced 74.7%. The children were implanted in a second phase after managing the emergency 68.0%. Corneal edema was the most common complication 48.0%. 100% was refracted after surgery. Visual acuity ≥ 3/10 was dominant postoperatively, 58.7%. Conclusion: Traumatic cataracts in children are a real eye health problem, as they are the most common traumatic cataracts. However, the implementation of precautionary measures, specialized and early management could improve these results....
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